Daily
Sarasota
Saturday, March 14th, 2026
Good morning, Sarasota. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 14th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Lakewood Ranch Women's Club hosted the Paradise Runway fashion show on March 11 at Lakewood Ranch Country Club to raise funds for four charities—Hope Family Services, Solve Maternity Homes, Smart with Heart and Children's Guardian Fund—and honored long-time organizer Monika Templeman. Observer
- ➤ Margie's Market, a free grocery-style market run by All Faiths Food Bank, opened March 10 inside the Goodwill Manasota Job Connection Center in Newtown (a historically under-resourced area) and offers fresh foods and job support services to about 5,000 households in need. Observer
- ➤ At The Ora on March 10, more than 480 local businesses and organizations were honored with the Sarasota Community's Choice Awards after over 45,000 public votes. Jim Fogler and Miss Florida Paris Richardson hosted the gala celebrating local favorites. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
- ➤ Longboat Key firefighters raised $3,600 over two days outside Publix during a 'fill the boot' fundraiser to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association—continuing a longstanding campaign for research and patient care. Observer
- ➤ After a targeted attack on a Michigan synagogue, the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee increased security + arranged a briefing with local law enforcement while diverting funds from community programs to protect members. FOX 13
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Aldi is renovating a 1.12 million sqft distribution center on 200 acres in Baldwin for $35 million to boost its Florida expansion + the facility is scheduled to open in 2027. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ New CEO Alison Fraga at the Early Learning Coalition secured an extra 1.2 million dollars in state School Readiness funds to help working families with child care and after-school programs, and will launch a user-friendly website in April to simplify online applications. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch maintained its Audubon International recertification with eco-friendly projects, including purple martin bird boxes built by Brian Beckner. The course (160 acres) applies creative water management and minimal chemicals to support local wildlife. Observer
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On March 11, the Planning Board unanimously endorsed Sarasota Youth Sailing’s proposal for a facility at Ken Thompson Park, which will replace old structures with a new 4,230 sqft building plus boat storage. The project awaits final commission confirmation and is estimated at $3 million. Observer
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota Memorial Hospital joined an international clinical trial to test Synchronicity—a new pacing treatment for heart failure patients. The study compares traditional cardiac resynchronization therapy with left bundle branch area pacing, led by Dr. Antonio Moretta and sponsored by Boston Scientific. Observer
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Sarasota boys basketball rallied in the fourth quarter to beat Orlando Oak Ridge in a Class 7A state semifinal on Friday, Mar. 13. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy the captivating sounds of Bri Rivera, a talented Puerto Rican musician, as she lights up the local music scene.
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Ryan Faraday Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy a lively evening with the talented Ryan Faraday showcasing his musical talents.
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Spring Training: Pirates vs. Orioles
2:05-7:05 p.m. — Ed Smith Stadium — Cost unknown — Enjoy a split squad matchup as the Pirates take on the Orioles in an exciting spring training game.
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Open Mat
6-7 a.m. — TeamAlves Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school — $20 mat fee for non-team members — A welcoming occasion to grapple and refine your techniques from the week.
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Bri Rivera Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — No cover charge — Enjoy an evening of vibrant music from local sensation Bri Rivera, steeped in Puerto Rican tradition.
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Ryan Faraday Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Entry fee unknown — Enjoy an evening of diverse musical styles from an accomplished local artist.
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Scott Curts Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy an eclectic mix of music as Scott Curts performs live, accompanied by his German Shepherd, Apollo.
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Mystical Visions Concert
6-10 p.m. — Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill — Enjoy the vibrant sounds of a female fronted pop/rock cover band playing hits from the 60’s to today.
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Get Your Mutt Movin' 5K Run & Walk
8-11 a.m. — Payne Park — Fundraising for animal rescue — Help support Satchel's Last Resort Animal Rescue while enjoying a community 5K run and walk with your furry friends.
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Polo Match at Sarasota Polo Club
1-6 p.m. — Sarasota Polo Club — Check the event page for ticket prices — Enjoy a beautiful day of polo action and festivities at the Sarasota Polo Club.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Most smart people overrate the value of intelligence and underrate the value of consistency.
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